Passive Exposure

Environmental Testing — More Than Meets the Eye

Even if a person does not actively smoke or inhale the drug, they can still be impacted. Passive exposure to drugs occurs when a person is in the presence of someone smoking, inhaling or manufacturing drugs or other related substances. This can occur when a child is in the presence of parents or other adults who are smoking marijuana or crack cocaine, inhaling cocaine, or manufacturing or smoking methamphetamine. It can also occur when teenagers or adults are in the presence of friends or others who are smoking or using drugs in social or public situations.

People are exposed to drugs by inhaling either the smoke of burning substances or the fumes that others have exhaled. Exposure, particularly over a long period of time, to smoke and illicit drugs can cause serious health problems for individuals of all ages. Studies have shown that young children, when in the presence of adults using methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs, can test at levels as high or higher for the substances as the adults who actively used the drugs.

Passive Exposure Testing

Parents or guardians may have their children tested for passive exposure if they are divorced or separated and suspect that their child’s other parent is using drugs around them or if the child has been caught with other users and claims they did not actively use the substance but were merely present when it was in use. This approach can be a valuable source of information for social workers and the legal system, parents and legal guardians.

Keep Your Family Safe From Toxins

While it might seem like exposure to meth itself is the biggest threat to persons in a house where the drug is manufactured, the toxic residues left behind are as dangerous if not more so. Respiratory problems, neurological damage, skin irritations and migraines are just a few of the ailments associated with meth-related chemicals. Babies who crawl on contaminated surfaces or put contaminated items in their mouths are especially vulnerable to these dangers.

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